Well-planned vegetarian diets can meet the needs of athletes. Diets that provide sufficient energy for growth and exercise, and contain a variety of plant-based protein foods (soy products, other legumes , grains, nuts and seeds) can provide adequate protein without the use of special foods or protein supplements.

Vegan athletes may have difficulty eating the volume of plant food necessary to obtain such nutrients as protein, iron, zinc, calcium, riboflavin, vitamin B12 , and vitamin D. Phytates and oxalates are substances found naturally in many plant sources and they may interfere with the absorption of calcium, iron, and zinc. Cross train your diet – eat a variety of foods.

Protein

Vegetarians need 10% more protein to ensure they get all the essential amino acids required each day. Plant protein can meet athletes’ requirements when a variety of plant foods is consumed and energy needs are met. In spite of this, growing active vegetarians are more likely to meet their protein requirements by combining plant protein sources such as grains and legumes or adding animal products such as milk, fish, or egg.

Check product labels for more details about veggie wieners, burgers, and other meat substitutes.

ANIMAL SOURCES:

2 large eggs = 13 g protein;

125 mL ( 1 ⁄ 2 cup) cottage cheese = 16 g protein;

50 g (1.5 oz.) cheddar cheese = 8–13 g protein;

75 g (2.5 oz.) cooked fish = 18 g protein.

For more information regarding the protein content of food, see the Nutrition Tip Sheet “Protein Pointer”.

Iron

The recommended iron intake for vegetarians is 1.8 times that of non-vegetarians because of the lower bioavailability of iron from plant sources compared to animal sources. In addition, iron from some vegetables such as spinach and beets is not readily absorbed because they contain oxalates which bind the iron.

A lack of iron leads to fatigue and decreased performance. Animal sources are absorbed best.

Calcium

Calcium is necessary for strong bones and teeth. Calcium deficiency may contribute to stress fractures and early osteoporosis. Vitamin D is needed for calcium absorption. A person can absorb calcium more easily from some foods than from others. Teens need 1300 mg calcium daily and adults need 1000 mg calcium per day. Vegans may need fortified foods and supplements to meet their calcium needs.

Food sources containing 300 mg calcium:

PLANT SOURCES:

250 mL (1 cup) calcium fortified soy beverage;

250 mL (1 cup) calcium fortified orange juice;

about 150 g (varies) firm tofu (calcium set);

750 mL (3 cups) cooked beans;

500 mL (2 cups) cooked turnip greens, Chinese cabbage (bokchoy);

750 mL (3 cups) cooked kale;

1,000 mL (4 cups) broccoli;

175 mL ( 3 ⁄ 4 cup) almonds;

10 dried figs;

6 oranges;

30 mL (2 Tbsp ) black strap molasses.

ANIMAL SOURCES:

250 mL (1 cup) milk;

175 mL ( 3 ⁄ 4 cup) yogurt;

50 g (1.5 oz.) cheese;

130 g (4.6 oz.) canned salmon with bones.

For more information regarding the calcium content of food, see the Nutrition Tip Sheet “Calcium Counter.”

Vitamin D

The “sunshine” vitamin is important for calcium absorption and proper bone formation. In Canada, from November until March, the body cannot manufacture adequate vitamin D from sunlight exposure. Vitamin D is added to milk, fortified soy/rice beve rage and a few brands of yogurt but not to cheese .

PLANT SOURCES:

Vitamin D fortified soy beverage,

fortified rice beverage,

fortified margarine.

ANIMAL SOURCES:

fortified milk,

oily fish (e.g., salmon, sardines).

Athletes who live in Canada during the winter, who train indoors, who train fully covered (skiers), or who have dark skin will need a vitamin D supplement.

Riboflavin

Like other B vitamins, riboflavin is important for the release of energy from food.

PLANT SOURCES:

bean sprouts

green peas

seaweed

spinach

nutritional yeast

almonds

mushrooms

cooked soybeans

fortified soy beverage

ANIMAL SOURCES:

milk and alternatives

egg

Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 is important for a healthy nervous system, red blood cells, and cell division. It is essential during pregnancy for fetal development. It is also involved in the body’s breakdown of fat and protein. This vitamin is found only in animal products or B12 fortified plant products.

PLANT SOURCES:

include at least three good food sources of vitamin B12 in your diet every day:

Available in health food stores, nutritional yeast can be sprinkled on salads, pastas, and casseroles. Unless fortified, no plant food (including sea vegetables and spirulina) contains significant amounts of active vitamin B12 . If you don’t eat at least 3 servings per day of the above foods, take a daily vitamin B 1 2 supplement of 5–10 µg or a weekly B12 supplement of 2000 µg.

Vitamin A/Beta-Carotene

Cooking and/or adding a small amount of fat to meals can increase beta-carotene absorption.

ANIMAL SOURCES OF VITAMIN A:

milk and alternatives

eggs

fish oil

Omega-3 fats

Omega-3 fats are essential polyunsaturated fatty acids, needed for the development and health of the brain, eyes, heart, and immune system. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are more active than the shorter alpha-linolenic acid form. Include two servings every day of foods that supply omega-3 fats.

PLANT SOURCES:

Alpha-linolenic acid can be consumed from ground flaxseed, flaxseed oil, canola oil, soybean oil, cooked soybeans , tofu, walnuts, and walnut oil. EPA and DHA can be obtained from microalgae and large amounts of sea vegatables.

ANIMAL SOURCES:

fish

“omega-3” eggs and milk products.

Iodine

The thyroid gland needs iodine to produce thyroxine – a hormone to regulate basal metabolic rate and growth. Table salt has been fortified with iodine to ensure adequate iodine. The RDA is supplied by 2.5 mL ( 1 ⁄ 2 tsp) iodized salt. Soybeans, plants from the cabbage family (broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, turnip) and sweet potatoes bind iodine and limit its avaliability. These foods are only a concern if you consume no iodine. (Sea salt and kosher salt do not contain iodine.)